What Comes Next_
Thoughts on AI, predictive text, technological metaphors, and the string of thought.
๐ฑMore than playgrounds
A glimpse into how outdoor classrooms are transforming student behavior in Bostonโs schoolyards. โ[The kids] sort of recognize this as kind of a special place. Theyโre quieter, more orderly,โ Ms. Whittemore said.
๐งฅTokyo vintage
Exploring the fascinating interconnection of vintage fashion between Tokyo and Hollywood.
๐A long way from the rec room
A humorous take on the chaotic nature of doubles table tennis from Robert Weintraub.
๐Cubaโs generation y
An exploration of how naming in Cuba serves as an act of creative resistance against political and cultural constraints.
๐ฅWhiskey Devil, decor crew, Burning Man Center Camp
Deep in the Nevada desert, Black Rock City prepares for Burning Man 2008 with the pre-Burn tradition of mini-Burning Man ceremonies.
๐Chand Baori (stepwell), India, by Doron
Hereโs a glimpse into the architectural marvel of Chand Baori, a 9th-century stepwell that beautifully illustrates community access to water.
๐งThe meals on the bus go round and round
A delightful exploration of Ecuador's vibrant bus culture and the unique culinary experiences found along the way.
๐๏ธWayne Ave., Dayton, Ohio
An observation on the resilient charm of a Dayton neighborhood. "Much of the neighborhood around Wayne Street and Xenia Ave. seems down on its heels -- lots of boarded-up doors and windows -- but I liked both the remaining (and reasonably maintained) Victorian detail on this pair of houses, and the added patriotic bunting, which both fits in with the architecture and adds an ephemeral touch, a reminder that people are actively caring for this place."
๐Chain mosques
Exploring how the rise of multi-site mosque chains mirrors the fast-food model, emphasizing accessibility and modern amenities for worshippers.
๐ฒMy pleasant uninteresting place
In the reflections on a tranquil life, Walker Percy captures the essence of his surroundings in Covington.
๐ถNever mind the propaganda, letโs dance!
An exploration of the vibrant musical culture of Kinshasa and the phenomenon of libanga in Congolese music.
๐Onion field, rural Washington, by Emily Gatch
A fascinating glimpse into a field of mature onions going to seed, showcasing their unique floral structures. "Onions that have gone to seed are so cool -- you may have seen ornamental alliums around town, with big bulbous balls, often purple. A field of onion flowers looks like an outerspace commodity."
๐ผ๏ธNaming and photography
An exploration into the power of context in photography and how simple alterations can create misleading narratives.
๐ขNot a place where you can get hurt
Quoting Andy Crouch on the garden versus the theme park.
๐กThe El, by Daniel Hauben
A beautiful celebration of the Bronx through vibrant glass panels at Freeman Street Station.
๐A year ofโฆ books
A reflection on people who dedicate a year to a unique challenge and then document their experiences in a book.
๐Eiffel Tower, by Mojca Vilfan
This reflection on perspective evokes not only a visual experience but also deep connections to stories and memories.
โณUnix, five hundred years on
A reflection on the enduring nature of cultural creations and the unexpected permanence of what was once deemed temporary.
๐คFriendship as a pre-existing condition
Exploring the intersection of friendship and law, particularly in caregiving and gifts.
๐คScreaming lessons
An insight into the art of vocal cultivation, focusing on the unique craft of screaming taught by vocal coach Melissa Cross in New York.
๐จTaggers abhor a vacuum
The Antonio family tried to combat graffiti by commissioning a mural, but their effort was thwarted by city regulations leading to its removal and the return of taggers.
๐ญTwenty years experience needed
Brian Eno reflects on the deep-rooted theatrical traditions and community spirit of Oberammergau.
๐ญNot in my intellectual back yard
This piece explores how excessive intellectual property rights can stifle creativity and innovation in various fields.
๐จThe Lacemaker (detail), by Johannes Vermeer
Lawrence Weschler beautifully reflects on Vermeer's "The Lacemaker," illuminating its focus on concentration and craft.
๐คธChildren practicing gymnastics, by Qiu Yan
Exploring the new culture that emerges as children train for the Olympics in China.
๐DIY country, DIY university
An insightful look at Somaliland, a breakaway republic that thrives amidst challenges, highlighting its democratic aspirations and return of former refugees.
๐The claims we make on nature and beauty
An insightful critique by Rebecca Solnit on the intersection of beauty, nature, and politics in sports, particularly during the Olympics.
๐ฃ๏ธah-SEE-shษ
A linguistic critique on the mispronunciation of "Ossetia" and insights into its cultural and political significance.
๐Fruteria on the corner of Billinghurst and Mansilla, by Thomas Locke Hobbs
A thoughtful reflection on the artistry of fruit displays, inspired by a special pineapple.
๐Garbage barges vs. vertical farms
Exploring why urban environments may not be ideal for high-tech food production despite their many advantages.
๐Abu Ali, Shabbos Goy
A unique interaction between cultures emerges when a Muslim taxi driver helps observant Jews on the Sabbath.
๐โThe food here is awful!โ
Sudhir Venkatesh explores the stark contrasts between a millionaire's experiences and those of a local squatter in Chicago's impoverished neighborhoods.
๐งThe problem with critique as a posture
Quoting Andy Crouch on the strange passivity of a critical attitude.
๐ฐThe real thing?
A creative proposal to leverage Coca-Cola's distribution for lifesaving rehydration salts.
๐จUntitled, by Pasquale Ottaiano
A reflection on the intriguing interplay between art and the viewer, as captured in a moment of deep contemplation.
๐๏ธTower of Lego Babel
Kanye draws parallels between a new Toronto tower and the Tower of Babel, with its colorful Lego flags representing many nations.
๐ฑTracking global warming, one garden at a time
The beauty of citizen science allows gardeners to contribute to our understanding of climate change through careful observation of plant behavior.
๐ค Your church home on the range
Cowboy churches blend country charm with spiritual devotion, creating a unique worship experience.
โ๏ธThe only really effective apologia
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger reflects on the true testimonies of Christianity through the lives of saints and the beauty of art instead of mere apologetics.
๐๏ธThe wonder (and scandal) of conversion
An exploration of the complex nature of conversion and identity, illustrated through Jennie Baker's experience with Orthodoxy in England.
๐ยกViva Leviticus!
The "30-Day Leviticus Challenge" sheds light on the often overlooked significance of the Law for believers today.
๐ปYo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
Reflecting on the cultural tapestry of the Silk Road, here's a remarkable in-studio performance by Yo-Yo Ma and his ensemble from 2005.
๐ฒCommunity kitchens in Lima, Peru
Women in Peru unite through community kitchens, not only to feed those in need but also to empower themselves and demand change.
๐๏ธHow Buildings Learn TV series
A deep exploration of how architecture adapts over time, as illustrated in Stewart Brand's impactful book and documentary series.
๐The Gulag Archipelagoโs first readers
The tangible experience of reading _Gulag Archipelago_ resonates deeply in the memories of its first readers.
๐บWhere have all the dancers gone?
A reflection on the decline of communal dancing and the rise of televised performances in our culture.
๐ญArt is not defiled by our efforts
A profound reflection by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.
๐From NASA to McDonaldโs
Laurie Anderson reflects on the transformative power of stepping outside one's own identity and experiences.
๐คUgandan hip-hop doc
A glimpse into the inspiring world of anti-war and -corruption themed hip-hop in Uganda, reminiscent of the emotional journey explored in "Buena Vista Social Club."
๐ฆA sofa revolution
A story of neighbors taking matters into their own hands to improve their community by slowing down traffic in Delft.